Knowledge Management on Twitter: Who to Follow

Twitter is increasingly a popular way to connect with experts across a variety of fields. Finding the people you know is easy enough, but how do you discover people who are actively tweeting about the topics you’re interested in? For me, I’m interested in a number of subjects, but of particular interest is the field of knowledge management — helping connect people to share and leverage knowledge and expertise.

On the subject of knowledge management, MindTouch has attempted to do just that — creating an annual list of the Top 100 Influencers in KM. While I’m honored to be included on the list (at #53), I should point out that it’s far from perfect. The list evaluates Twitter users, based on their use of the #KM and #KMers hash tags. If you’re a key influencer who does not use Twitter, you’re not on the list. If you’re a key influencer who doesn’t use the key hash tags, you’re also not on the list (sorry @elsua).

Keeping up with the Top 100 KM Influencers

Following all 100 of these users is probably not of interest to most of you, even if you have a passion for KM. You may have other interests, and other topics that you follow. Here’s how you can easily keep up with the KMers on this list, without necessarily following all of them. I’ve created a Twitter list. You can subscribe to this Top 100 #KMers Twitter list. Whenever you want to view their latest tweets, visit your Twitter profile, click lists and then select the subscribed list. You’ll see all their latest tweets.

Over time, you may see certain people that you want to follow. If you choose to follow someone, all of their tweets will appear in your Twitter stream.

You can create your own Twitter lists, and I encourage you to do so. Lists are a great way to help you filter and refine the tweets you see, and manage the exchange of information.

Who is missing?

As I pointed out, the science behind this is imperfect, as it relies on people tweeting with the appropriate hash tags. Some of the Top 100 are “official” twitter accounts for organizations, and don’t interact so much as broadcast. Who would you include on your Top 100 KMers list?